Two days to take the sting away from Alex Ovechkin’s hat trick and the Capitals furious come-from-behind victory Sunday afternoon. Still don’t feel great, do you?
Enter the New York Islanders, an upstart club who opened the season playing above their heads, but a 2-8 record in their last 10 has dropped them to 13th in the Eastern Conference with 56 points. Still, after a 4-3 shootout win against Nashville last night, the Isles are only five points back of eighth-place Philadelphia.
The Pens haven’t set the world on fire either recently, winning just five of their last 10 encounters. They are 2-1 against super-rookie John Tavares this year. In Pittsburgh’s two wins, Sidney Crosby has three goals and five assists. He did not notch a point in a 3-2 loss on the Island in late November.
The last time these two teams tangled it was a magical night for Sir Sidney. His two goals and four assists tied a career-high with six points. Geno Malkin added a hat trick in the 6-4 home victory.
In addition to Tavares, the Islanders are led by Kyle Okposo’s team-best 38 points (12g-26a) and Matt Moulson who has lit the lamp a team-high 21 times.
There is no doubt the Penguins need a tonic after the poison they swallowed Sunday. A three-game homestand, beginning tonight, could provide a feel-good send-off to the Olympic break.


